Whale, Tahiti Tourisme © Grégory Lecoeur (2) — ©Whale, Tahiti Tourisme|Grégory Lecoeur

Unforgettable emotions

Whale season

Meet up with the giants

Discover the best of whale watching with our accredited tour operators. Marvel at the majesty of the whales on unforgettable excursions.

Iotua

" A very big fish in a big pond. The average humpback whale weighs 30 tonnes and is 15 meters long! "

Whale ballet

Each year, between July and November, humpback whales visit the warm waters of Polynesia to mate and give birth. (Females which mate this year will return next year to give birth.) It is a unique opportunity to observe and admire them. Sometimes, if you’re lucky, you can even spot them from the beach, but you can also see them on a whale-watching excursion. Your captain will locate the position of the whales by looking for their spout and from time to time, you’ll see them bursting out of the water, often with a calf at their side. A truly impressive spectacle! If conditions permit, and the captain gives his go-ahead, you can even drop into the sea with a tuba and mask to observe their underwater ballet.

The best place to admire whales is Rurutu in the Austral Islands, 600 kilometers from Tahiti. Known as “whale island” it is a kind of nursery where these huge mammals feel safe to raise their newborn calves. You can watch them from up on the cliffs, or take a tour with one of the accredited guides.

©Whale watching, Tahiti Tourisme|Grégory Lecoeur

©Mount Manureva in Rurutu |G. Boissy Alesimedia

Rules to be respected

Animal welfare

Whale-watching is strictly regulated to ensure that they are not perturbed.

RULES TO BE RESPECTED

©Ne Naviguez Pas Au Milieu D'un Groupe De Baleine, Mettez Vous Sur Le Côté. Règle D'approche Des Baleines à Tahiti Et Ses Îles Tahiti Tourisme

Approach from the side

©N'encerclez Pas Les Baleines, Regroupez Vous Sur Le Côté. Règle D'approche Des Baleines à Tahiti Et Ses Îles Tahiti Tourisme

Do not encircle the whales

©Ne Vous Placez Pas Entre Une Mère Et Son Petit, Mettez Vous Sur Le Côté. Règle D'approche Des Baleines à Tahiti Et Ses Îles Tahiti Tourisme

Never swim between a female and her calf

©Ne Bloquez Pas Les Baleines Contre Le Récif. Règle D'approche Des Baleines à Tahiti Et Ses Îles Tahiti Tourisme

Don’t trap them against the reef

'A paruru to mau paraoa

Protect our whales

Regulations, conservation efforts, and even Polynesian legends — learn more about whales and the important role they play in the daily lives of Polynesians.

Observation rules
Oceania organization
Facts & Behaviors of the Humpback Whale
Culture and legends

Whale Watching in The Islands of Tahiti - Observation rules

Herehia Sanford is a lagoon guide. During whale season in The Islands of Tahiti, she leads visitors to meet these giants of the ocean, while ensuring strict compliance with the regulations. This year, the laws governing cetacean observation have changed. Aware of the importance of protecting humpback whales, Herehia takes time to inform visitors about the new rules to follow. Her goal: to provide an experience that is both unforgettable and responsible, in full respect of these magnificent creatures.

Whale Watching in The Islands of Tahiti - Oceania organization

Since 2017, the Oceania organization has been working for the study and protection of humpback whales in French Polynesia. Cindy Gillier, vice president of Oceania, presents all the actions they have undertaken to preserve these cetaceans and encourages everyone to play their part at their own level.

Whale Watching in The Islands of Tahiti - Facts & Behaviors of the Humpback Whale

Where do our humpback whales come from? Are they still endangered? Michael Poole, a marine biologist, has been studying the cetaceans of French Polynesia since 1987. He also initiated the creation of the Marine Mammal Sanctuary in 2002. In this video, Michael tells the story of the arrival of humpback whales in our waters, how their population is evolving, and why it is important to respect the annual visit of these majestic creatures.

Whale Watching in The Islands of Tahiti - Culture and legends

For the ancient Polynesians, the arrival of humpback whales in French Polynesia has always held significant meaning. Edmée Hopuu works at the Department of Culture and Heritage of French Polynesia. She believes it is our duty to continue sharing the legends surrounding this animal, which carries a strong symbolism, in order to raise awareness among younger generations about the protection of humpback whales.